As a college student who planned on diving into a four-year university in my first year of college and then did not, I can tell you that community college first is better.
There are several different reasons why attending a community college first instead of starting off at a four-year university is better, including the cost of tuition, college size, support, and opportunities.
The price of tuition has been an important factor for students who decide to go to college. However, with the rise of tuition within the past few years, it has not only become an important factor but a controlling factor that impacts students’ college decisions.
The average in-state public cost of tuition was $11,011, $24,513 for out-of-state public tuition, and $43,505 for private tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. In comparison, the average in-state cost of community college tuition is $4,950, and $8,666 for out-of-state community college tuition.
As this information reveals, community colleges offer cheaper tuition in comparison to four-year universities. While their tuition is cheaper, community colleges offer quality education, like a four-year school. Students at a community college are not “missing out” on a better education at a four-year institution.
Not only is a community college cheaper, but the classes are smaller and more intimate, allowing students to connect with their professors and peers. Students are more inclined to engage in a smaller classroom than in a large one.
According to an article by Study.com, the average class size at a community college is between 25-35 students. On the other hand, universities can have 150-300 students in one class at a time. This can be intimidating to students, especially those coming straight from high school.
Smaller colleges, like community colleges, are often better able to support their students academically than larger colleges. Since professors at community colleges do not have to worry about teaching large numbers of students, they can get to know students on a personal level and help meet their needs.
As a community college student, I have found this to be especially true. Professors and faculty have more time to reach out and mentor me, compared to the professors I have had at the universities where I have taken some courses.
As a result of this extra support and mentorship, I have been able to sharpen the skills that I have developed while in college and have gained wisdom from professors that I might not have gained elsewhere.
The last reason why community colleges are better to attend first than four-year universities is the opportunities. Since community colleges are small, students have a greater chance of standing out and getting more opportunities to gain professional experience. There is less competition at the community college level, so students can get roles in clubs and internships that are offered for students at their college more easily.
Since community colleges are more affordable, smaller, and can offer more support and great opportunities, they are better to attend first than four-year institutions.
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